Claude Monet painting Iris is heading to the auction block in Paris, where Sotheby’s estimates the long-hidden 1924-25 masterpiece will sell for between $25 million and $34 million. Measuring about five by six feet and long held in a private collection, the artwork is making its public debut on display at Sotheby’s Paris ahead of an October 22, 2026 auction. Experts note the piece has never been damaged or varnished, making it a monumental discovery for art enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
What do experts say about the newly revealed artwork?
Impressionism specialists describe Claude Monet painting Iris as an exemplary and remarkably preserved piece reflecting the artist's late, abstract style. The artwork has never been damaged or varnished since its creation, providing a rare glimpse into the final decade of his career.
The painting will lead a massive sale of artworks from the collection of Jeanne and Marcel Schlumberger. Alongside Iris, other pieces from the private collection—including Monet's Weeping Willow—will be showcased. Art specialists emphasize that the masterpiece represents the pinnacle of Monet's later career, capturing dramatic brushstrokes of pure color that helped redefine modern painting.
When will the painting be auctioned?
Claude Monet painting Iris is currently on public display in Paris and is scheduled to be auctioned on October 22, 2026, as part of the Schlumberger collection sale.
Interested buyers and art lovers can view the canvas in person at Sotheby’s Paris prior to the autumn auction date. The event marks a significant milestone in the art market, as the expected sale price is projected to break records for any artwork ever auctioned in France.
